Winter Weather Awareness
Don't let the first severe snowfall or winter storm catch you unprepared. Have an emergency supply kit in both your home and your vehicle.
An emergency plan and disaster kits for both your home and vehicle can reduce the impact of these severe events. Your winter weather disaster kits should include: warm clothing, extra blankets, flashlights, a radio, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, vital prescription medications, non-perishable food and water for three days per family member, and a cell phone if you have one.
If you are using a generator or a kerosene heater, please follow the manufacture’s recommendations since injuries and deaths occur yearly due to improper use.
In addition to a disaster kit, your vehicle should have jumper-cables, an ice scrapper and snow brush, and at least a half-tank of fuel.
Dress Warmly. It is more effective to wear multiple layers than one thick layer.
For more information on winter safety, visit the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness’ web site: www.weathersafety.ohio.gov or contact The Delaware County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management at 740-833-2180.
Winter Weather Terms:
Wind Chill is the temperature felt on exposed skin due to the combination of air temperature and wind speed. The wind chill temperature or "wind chill factor" is always colder than the air temperature. The chart to the right shows wind chill temperature and how long until frostbite will occur on exposed skin.
Winter Storm Watch - Severe winter weather may affect your area.
Winter Storm Warning - Severe winter weather is imminent.
Heavy Snow Warning - A snowfall of at least 4 inches in 12 hours or 6 inches in 24 hours is expected.
Blizzard Warning - Considerable falling and blowing snow with winds over 35 mph is expected to last for several hours.